We, therefore, implore Thee, Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ, who, having been crucified and raised for us, standest in the secret counsel of the Godhead, and makest intercession for us, and hast said:  “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  I call upon Thee, and with my whole heart beseech Thee, according to Thine infinite compassion, forgive us our sins.  Thou knowest that in our great weakness we are not able to bear the burden of our woe.  Do Thou, therefore, afford us aid in our private and public necessities; be Thou our shelter and protector, uphold the churches in these lands, and all which serves for their defense and safeguard.

KNOX

THE FIRST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, was born at Giffordgate, four miles from Haddington, Scotland, in 1505.  He first made his appearance as a preacher in Edinburgh, where he thundered against popery, but was imprisoned and sent to the galleys in 1546.  In 1547 Edward VI secured his release and made him a royal chaplain, when he acquired the friendship of Cranmer and other reformers.  On the accession of Mary (1553) he took refuge on the Continent.  In 1556 he accepted the charge of a church in Geneva, but, after three years of tranquillity, returned to Scotland and became a popular leader of the Reformation in that country.  His eloquence lashed the multitude to enthusiasm and acts of turbulent violence.  As a preacher his style was direct and fearless, often fiery, and he had a habit of pounding the pulpit to emphasize particular truths.  He died in 1572.

KNOX 1505—­1572

THE FIRST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil.—­Matt. iv., 1.

The cause moving me to treat of this place of Scripture is, that such as by the inscrutable providence of God fall into divers temptations, judge not themselves by reason thereof to be less acceptable in God’s presence.  But, on the contrary, having the way prepared to victory by Jesus Christ, they shall not fear above measure the crafty assaults of that subtle serpent Satan; but with joy and bold courage, having such a guide as here is pointed forth, such a champion, and such weapons as here are to be found (if with obedience we will hear, and unfeigned faith believe), we may assure ourselves of God’s present favor, and of final victory, by the means of Him, who, for our safeguard and deliverance, entered in the battle, and triumphed over His adversary, and all his raging fury.  And that this being heard and understood, may the better be kept in memory; this order, by God’s grace, we propose to observe, in treating the matter:  First, What this word temptation meaneth, and how it is used within the Scriptures.  Secondly, Who is here tempted and at what time this temptation happened.  Thirdly, How and by what means He was tempted.  Fourthly, Why He should suffer these temptations, and what fruits ensue to us from the same.